My does time fly. 2016 was a very controversial year, there was a lot of unrest and division in the country. Police officers laying their lives on the line while criminals protesting about their rights, using this as an excuse to cover over their criminal behavior.

All this with the culmination of the election. Government officials with an agenda dividing the masses.

It makes you wonder will it continue on the same path, or will we see this great revival that many are saying is coming?

I keep hearing about all the liberals crying out about the popular vote. Hillary got the popular vote.

Tell me if I wrong but I think the last election Romney won the popular vote.

I didn't hear anyone complaining about the popular vote at that time.

My how people forget.

Gary

Thats an interesting comment. How people forget heh heh.

We've had 8 yrs of criticism to Obama now I guess it will be 8 (4?) yrs of criticism to Trump. The Lord showed me a while ago that my prayers for the president (or whatever leader) can have a direct impact on them. In other words my prayers can directly affect the president. Really shut me up when he showed me that as I was in the middle of criticizing our dear leader up here.

We've had 8 yrs of criticism to Obama now I guess it will be 8 (4?) yrs of criticism to Trump.

If Vladimir Putin is happy with Trump after 4 years...We've had some strange presidential elections over the last couple decades. Remember the 'hanging chads' from 2000? Now we got a president elected by the Russians...According to the party that lost the election. I used to think a 'hack' was a taxi driver; now it has a totally different meaning...as do many words.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."

I keep hearing about all the liberals crying out about the popular vote. Hillary got the popular vote.

Tell me if I wrong but I think the last election Romney won the popular vote.

I didn't hear anyone complaining about the popular vote at that time.

My how people forget.

Gary

Thats an interesting comment. How people forget heh heh.

We've had 8 yrs of criticism to Obama now I guess it will be 8 (4?) yrs of criticism to Trump. The Lord showed me a while ago that my prayers for the president (or whatever leader) can have a direct impact on them. In other words my prayers can directly affect the president. Really shut me up when he showed me that as I was in the middle of criticizing our dear leader up here.

Sad part was I was the one who forgot. LOL It wasn't that election it was another one that the popular vote lost in.

We've had 8 yrs of criticism to Obama now I guess it will be 8 (4?) yrs of criticism to Trump.

If Vladimir Putin is happy with Trump after 4 years...We've had some strange presidential elections over the last couple decades. Remember the 'hanging chads' from 2000? Now we got a president elected by the Russians...According to the party that lost the election. I used to think a 'hack' was a taxi driver; now it has a totally different meaning...as do many words.

James,

We have some friends from Russia, they have been telling us for years that Putin is a republican. LOL

BTW I was glad to hear from everyone, I almost thought everybody gave up on this board.

For me this is the only place left where people still have common sense, if you know what I mean.

Then again it appears when you get older you have a shorter amount of time to deal with, and it seems to get busier each year. When your younger time moves slowly, and it always seemed like you had plenty of it.

I've been busy with other things lately plus access to a computer has been limited, but now it's tax season and I'll be stationed at the computer for the next 3 months.

I know what you mean concerning having a lot going on. I have to set in front of a computer 8 hours a day at work, with a blue tooth in one ear and a phone in the other constantly dealing with people.

I did not realize how much Americans spend on a day to day basis until I got this job. It's never ending, whatever happened to the simple life?

Remember the old days when people use to visit each other and set on the front porch while just enjoying day to day life. The goals have changed. Now, face book is societies form of communication, and keeping in touch with each other. When you do get together everyone has a phone glued to their hand with constant interruptions. The funny thing is whenever you need to get a hold of someone they never answer the phone or least it seems that way. My have times changed.

It was interesting to see Franklin Graham exonerate Jesus Christ before America and the world in his inauguration prayer.

Without a doubt this man knows the Lord Jesus Christ and is not ashamed to proclaim that; Jesus Christ is the only God and there is none other.

Very Blessed by his boldness to speak out concerning the Lord.

Gary

I didn't know that. Very nice to see. Good for Franklin Graham. It may be easier when you have the kind of public stature he has to do it but still . . . kudos to him.

Up here in the frozen north when there is public prayer of any kind the "prayer' is told not to "pray in Jesus name".

It was so ironic and almost laughable a few years ago at a national public gathering the christian speaker was told not to pray in Jesus name and he actually obeyed them.

The ironic laughable part was the column written by a well known "liberal clergyman" in our local paper castigating the pray-er and the officials. He said "I would have told them where to go".

It looks like its going to be an interesting several years. From the little I saw it looks like Trump has surrounded himself with some very pragmatic people. Well mostly anyway. He is certainly making a lot of noise about trade agreements. From a Canadian perspective that is not particularly good news.

From a purely pragmatic point of view I think I would have preferred Hilary. With her it would have given us the status quo.
Which really isn't all that bad. Whereas with Trump who knows. The best thing about Trump winning would have been the look on Hilary's face when she realized she got beat by "him" I would have loved to have seen that.

Anyway as I've said before if Christians would spend as much time praying for our leaders as we do criticizing we might actually get good gov't. Thats just a general comment by the way and not directed to anyone here.

From a purely pragmatic point of view I think I would have preferred Hilary. With her it would have given us the status quo.
Which really isn't all that bad.

I hesitate to say this because I've always stayed out of politics and certainly don't want to start a debate on Hillary Clinton verses Donald Trump, but any chance of making any moral changes in this nation (apart from revival) would have been nil with Hilary at the helm. Can Trump back up his talk? time will tell...I pray he does and can. Irregardless, he is who God has put in that position and I will pray for him as I did for Barack Obama, George Bush, Bill Clinton, Bush senior, and Ronald Regan. Doesn't that sound pious? But seriously, it is our duty as followers of Christ.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."

[ . . .but any chance of making any moral changes in this nation (apart from revival) would have been nil with Hilary at the helm.

Thats for sure.

Having watched Trump for the last couple of weeks I have to agree with President Obama. The man is not fit to be president. Are these just the first stumbling steps of a man who knows only a little about politics? Time will tell. He doesn't seem to know the meaning of diplomacy. Getting angry at the Aussie PM and hanging up on him??? Firing rhetorical missiles at Iran. Completely mismanaging the entire refugee file. A wall with Mexico?

I have to agree with Martin Luther. He said he would prefer to see a wise Turk. (heathen) rather than a foolish christian

I'm not saying for eg Iran may need to be dwelt with more strongly or the entire refugee issue needs a good look at. I am saying he doesn't seem to understand what diplomacy means. He's like a bull in a china shop. (to coin a phrase)

The other side to this of course as Gary pointed out is that the left has gone completely unhinged. Totally left all reason behind.

Saw a video last night (which I wish I hadn't watched) of a protest at Berkeley.Reporter interviewing a female trump supporter. She said she was in favor of peaceful protest by both camps. As she was turning away an anti-trump type stepped up and sprayed her with mace. There's the left these days just completely unhinged.

As far as refugees and immigration is concerned . . . I think there needs to be a careful look at what is going on. My opinion from a "christian" perspective or at least this christians perspective is that there needs to be far more compassion. Especially towards refugees. God said through the prophets in several places in the OT that Israel was to be compassionate toward refugees because they were refugees from Egypt. I just think as christians the starting pace for us should be compassion. Something that seems sadly lacking out there.

I'm in the middle of moving house and all my references are packed or I would dig up the refugee references.

When I look at America right now all I see is mass confusion in the gov't. Regardless of what side someone is on all this from both sides can't be good for the country. Let alone the rest of the world.

[ . . .but any chance of making any moral changes in this nation (apart from revival) would have been nil with Hilary at the helm.

Thats for sure.

Having watched Trump for the last couple of weeks I have to agree with President Obama. The man is not fit to be president. Are these just the first stumbling steps of a man who knows only a little about politics? Time will tell. He doesn't seem to know the meaning of diplomacy. Getting angry at the Aussie PM and hanging up on him??? Firing rhetorical missiles at Iran. Completely mismanaging the entire refugee file. A wall with Mexico?

I have to agree with Martin Luther. He said he would prefer to see a wise Turk. (heathen) rather than a foolish christian

I'm not saying for eg Iran may need to be dwelt with more strongly or the entire refugee issue needs a good look at. I am saying he doesn't seem to understand what diplomacy means. He's like a bull in a china shop. (to coin a phrase)

The other side to this of course as Gary pointed out is that the left has gone completely unhinged. Totally left all reason behind.

Saw a video last night (which I wish I hadn't watched) of a protest at Berkeley.Reporter interviewing a female trump supporter. She said she was in favor of peaceful protest by both camps. As she was turning away an anti-trump type stepped up and sprayed her with mace. There's the left these days just completely unhinged.

As far as refugees and immigration is concerned . . . I think there needs to be a careful look at what is going on. My opinion from a "christian" perspective or at least this christians perspective is that there needs to be far more compassion. Especially towards refugees. God said through the prophets in several places in the OT that Israel was to be compassionate toward refugees because they were refugees from Egypt. I just think as christians the starting pace for us should be compassion. Something that seems sadly lacking out there.

I'm in the middle of moving house and all my references are packed or I would dig up the refugee references.

When I look at America right now all I see is mass confusion in the gov't. Regardless of what side someone is on all this from both sides can't be good for the country. Let alone the rest of the world.

The problem I see is that the man (Trump) has only been in office a few weeks, and everything he does is being scrutinized by the liberal media, while they fuel the masses so they can have some attention drawing news story.

If the media has nothing to report about, the ratings go down and people become bored with the mundane news. Let some terrorist bomb a cafe and you have millions of people spending endless hours watching the same report over and over again. The media has to continue to generate some juicy story to keep the crowds watching.

Concerning refugees, everyone in the West is seen to be scrambling to find homes for the endless amount of refugees that the Arab countries continue to generate.

Has anyone in the world ask the question, Where is the wealthy Arab nations why are they not helping their Arab brothers? The Saudis just spent billions of dollars building a water world theme park so they can have a place to enjoy their wealth and to get away for their vacations.

Quote:

Al-Shallal Theme Park is located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The park is often referred to as "Fakieh Poultry Farms", which is the name of the owners of the park. In 2001, Fakieh Poultry Farms ranked as the 34th largest company in Saudi Arabia with over $480 million in assets and over 6000 employees.

What about the United Emirates:

Quote:

The UAE's oil reserves are the seventh-largest in the world while its natural gas reserves are the world's seventeenth-largest. Sheikh Zayed, ruler of Abu Dhabi and the first President of the UAE, oversaw the development of the Emirates and steered oil revenues into healthcare, education and infrastructure. The UAE's economy is the most diversified in the Gulf Cooperation Council, with its most populous city of Dubai is an important global city and an international aviation hub. Nevertheless, the country remains principally reliant on its export of petroleum and natural gas.

The UAE is criticised for its human rights record, including the specific interpretations of Sharia used in its legal system. The UAE's rising international profile has led some analysts to identify it as a regional and middle power.

Huge amounts of wealth in this country, Why no concern about reaching out to their Arab Brothers? The world makes no mention of these and other Arab nations helping out.

Like someone said: Their is plenty of room to have land set aside in these areas (Arab Nations) to build housing projects, which would generate jobs and give people a better future.

Our small community of 90000 people was planning on having 10 thousand refugees to come to this area and live. The problem I see is that there is hundreds of homeless running the streets now living in the cold with no hope for any future. The city is trying to feed, clothe, and provide shelter but it is being stretched to the limits. I saw a man sleeping yesterday, setting on the street corner with his stolen shopping cart and it was 17 degrees out. The man had to be miserable.

The question is where would we put 10000 more homeless and who is going to feed and help them find jobs and homes. Is the government suppose to bail everyone out in life? Our Government is presently 20 trillion dollars in debt, and that number is only increasing. Google the "National Debt Clock" if you want to see the total amount were in debt as a nation.

Secondly, I see no one mentioning, Why is not Russia or China helping take in refugees? Russia seems to be the main country helping to generate refugees. Why are not any of the nations concerned about them helping with the problem?

It's very easy for the world to point the finger at America and always blame us or the Government for any major problems that exist in the world. Everyone seems to "forget", that we are helping hundreds of other nations around the world with food, medical supplies, and helping them build a better future at this present time.

I don't think we should use scriptures to condemn people for giving to the poor or not giving to the poor. This is something that should be done from the heart. America is not a Christian nation by any means, it has a lot of Christians in the country who are doing the best they can. We have more missionaries going around the world and spreading the gospel and feeding people, giving medical help then any other nation in the world.

We are one of the last few nations on the earth that support Gods chosen people Israel. In spite of the worlds opinion of Israel.

This country is not the police man of the world that is suppose to solve every bodies problems in the world in spite of what the media is telling the world, or what people think we should do.

The greater problem is that society is wanting a global world with no borders that would lead to a one world government. When a country or nation makes a decision that does not go along with some liberal world view point then it makes waves. We have a large number of educated liberals that want a global community.

Lastly, Why is everyone in the world trying to force their opinions on America? The reason is everyone wants a global government with every nation living in prosperity. The problem is many nations of the world want to follow their false gods and live the way they want to live. They reject Jesus Christ and while we as a Nation are very wicked we do allow its people to preach Jesus Christ and follow His teachings. At least for this period in time its allowed, this may change down the road.

Trump is being judged by the world and media for making some of the decisions he is making only time will tell the effect of these decisions.

What should be the Christian response:

Romans 13
Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. ...

As you can see Mark, our God has appointed this man and we in this nation must submit to the governing authorities. This may be the time line when He (Jesus) will give us one more revival before His soon return. This is what were praying for.

I would not put much confidence in Obama and the Sodomites he hangs around with.

Especially towards refugees. God said through the prophets in several places in the OT that Israel was to be compassionate toward refugees because they were refugees from Egypt. I just think as christians the starting pace for us should be compassion. Something that seems sadly lacking out there.

I cannot seem to find any passages in the OT concerning "refugees", in fact I don't think this word even appears in the Bible. Israel is told concerning the strangers that join themselves to the Jewish religion, to have compassion.

But when it comes to refugees (foreigners), those that hold to their false gods and paganism, that the Jewish people were told most of the "time" to totally destroy those who worship the false gods. Every man, woman, child, and even the livestock.

When I typed in my Bible search engine the word refugee, this is the scripture that comes up:

Quote:

28 The voice of those who flee and escape from the land of Babylon
Declares in Zion the vengeance of the Lord our God,
The vengeance of His temple.

29
“Call together the archers against Babylon.
All you who bend the bow, encamp against it all around;
Let none of them escape.[c]
Repay her according to her work;
According to all she has done, do to her;
For she has been proud against the Lord,
Against the Holy One of Israel.
30
Therefore her young men shall fall in the streets,
And all her men of war shall be cut off in that day,” says the Lord.
31
“Behold, I am against you,
O most haughty one!” says the Lord God of hosts;
“For your day has come,
The time that I will punish you.[d]
32
The most proud shall stumble and fall,
And no one will raise him up;
I will kindle a fire in his cities,
And it will devour all around him.”

I would be interested to know what references exist in the OT that speak of refugees?

I recently saw a video of a woman who was raised in an Arab country and was a muslim her whole life. She had converted to Christianity and was sharing her testimony. She said that her whole life she heard the muslims condemn and speak evil of all infidels, (anyone not a muslim), and they thought it was an honor to kill infidels. These were muslims not involved in any form of terrorist group. She went on to say that when you lock your door at night it does not mean you hate your neighbors or that you hate those in the town that you live in. You lock your door to keep intruders out. She said she agreed with Trump and that these people should not be allowed in this country because of their ingrained beliefs. At any time they can decide to kill any infidels and they think they will be rewarded in heaven.

Its like a ticking time bomb that can go off anytime it wills.

Secondly, I saw an American soldier living in Iraq. He said he cannot go out at night in the town because the common people would not hesitate to kill him or his friends. He also went on to say; they don't want Americans in their country then he said why should I want them in my country.

I'm not saying that you don't help individuals out, but if someone has evil intent to harm you or your family one should be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove. ISIS is using the refugee crisis to sneak in under cover as sleeper cells.

Its been going on for the last 60+ years in Israel, ever since the signing of the Balfour Declaration, Israel has had constant terror groups sneak in and bomb innocent civilians. Why should we be naive thinking that it would never happen here.

At least its something to consider. For hundreds of years muslims have not been able to live together and there has always been tribal strife, so every one thinks they just move into the neighborhood now and all the centuries of hatred just magically disappears?

Any country has a right to protect its citizens against harm, in spite of the media distorting the matter with their liberal propaganda.

This may be the time line when He (Jesus) will give us one more revival before His soon return. This is what were praying for.

Gary

I don't have an problem with seeing a revival but I just don't think it is going to happen. At least not for the reasons all the prophets are giving us. I don't want to sound like a Freemanite here always quoting him but . . .

On the Jeremiah tapes the last two dealing with tests for true and false prophets one of the tests was the test of fulfillment. In other words if someone is a true prophet his prophesies will come to pass or he isn't a prophet of the Lord.

HEF said regarding the constant prophesies from all the prophets about the great revival to come to America that his pulpit was prophesying that there was nothing coming but judgement on a sinful nation. Not revival. His unmistakable point was that either he or the prophets prophesing revival were speaking from the Lord as a prophet and time would show which one.

I don't have a problem with revival. As a christian I hope it happens. I just don't think it will.

Especially towards refugees. God said through the prophets in several places in the OT that Israel was to be compassionate toward refugees because they were refugees from Egypt. I just think as christians the starting pace for us should be compassion. Something that seems sadly lacking out there.

I cannot seem to find any passages in the OT concerning "refugees", in fact I don't think this word even appears in the Bible. Israel is told concerning the strangers that join themselves to the Jewish religion, to have compassion.
Gary

I am reasonably sure the word used was strangers. The context was that Israel had to flee from Egypt so they should have compassion on others that had to flee. All my reference books are packed away as we are in the midst of moving so finding the references is going to have to wait.

I think that in all our western countries we have refugee and immigrant policies that aren't really working.

What bothers me ( no reference to anyone here) is the hardhearted attitude that seems to pervade all of evangelical christianity. There just seems to be such a hard attitude toward immigrants and refugees and the poor in general. One can't read the NT without seeing the heartfelt compassion of the elders toward the poor. I don't think we should just open the doors and let everyone in! I do think though that as christians the place we start from should be caring and compassion.

This may be the time line when He (Jesus) will give us one more revival before His soon return. This is what were praying for.

Gary

I don't have an problem with seeing a revival but I just don't think it is going to happen. At least not for the reasons all the prophets are giving us. I don't want to sound like a Freemanite here always quoting him but . . .

On the Jeremiah tapes the last two dealing with tests for true and false prophets one of the tests was the test of fulfillment. In other words if someone is a true prophet his prophesies will come to pass or he isn't a prophet of the Lord.

HEF said regarding the constant prophesies from all the prophets about the great revival to come to America that his pulpit was prophesying that there was nothing coming but judgement on a sinful nation. Not revival. His unmistakable point was that either he or the prophets prophesing revival were speaking from the Lord as a prophet and time would show which one.

I don't have a problem with revival. As a christian I hope it happens. I just don't think it will.

I agree, I'm on the fence concerning the matter of revival, I'd like to see it, but I find we're (America) more wicked then Sodom, and as a country most reject the teachings of Jesus.

Quote:

Matthew 11:23-25

23 And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.”
Jesus Gives True Rest

25 At that time Jesus answered and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes.

Sometimes I think Christians picture revival as pumping up the old dead system, then institutionalize it. David Wilkerson was constantly warning of a coming judgement. The vision that the Lord gave him is still coming to pass.

I am reasonably sure the word used was strangers. The context was that Israel had to flee from Egypt so they should have compassion on others that had to flee. All my reference books are packed away as we are in the midst of moving so finding the references is going to have to wait.

I think that in all our western countries we have refugee and immigrant policies that aren't really working.

What bothers me ( no reference to anyone here) is the hardhearted attitude that seems to pervade all of evangelical christianity. There just seems to be such a hard attitude toward immigrants and refugees and the poor in general. One can't read the NT without seeing the heartfelt compassion of the elders toward the poor. I don't think we should just open the doors and let everyone in! I do think though that as christians the place we start from should be caring and compassion.

I think everyone wants to be see with the man with the gold ring, hanging out with the successful, the sports hero, someone famous.
For some reason this gives people a feeling of prestige by who you know and run with.

The sad thing about the refugees is that, the problem has been caused by endless fighting that has been going on for thousands of years. Whenever a group of people think they have been called to rid the world of infidels, they'll walk on anyone who gets in their way, including their own people. Wars and Rumors of war.

I think some are using the refugee problem as a political pawn that will help them manipulate the world. For instance, Israel for years has been trying to work with the Palestinians to improve their condition. But you have other Arab countries turning the peace process into a fiasco, because of their hatred of the Jews. The refugees are caught in the middle and have to go along with the Arab neighbors, and groups like Hamas telling them what they should do or not do whenever Israel makes an offer to help.

The problem in Syria is the Russians and Americans are involved because of their lust for Oil and their desire to control the area. The civilians are caught in the middle.

To be honest I don't have a problem with people coming here but their needs to be some type of screening to know when its a family needing help versus someone with an ulterior motive. From what I've heard there has been a lot of conversions take place, muslims turning to the Lord once they get here. Its like bringing the mission field here.

I hope you share those scriptures when you get the chance. I know how it is to move we moved into this house and are still unpacking, two years later. I wanted to give some man at work a book I got and I cannot find it anywhere.

If anyone gets the chance, if you haven't already, you should read the fictional books by Joel Rosenberg, The Last Jihad. There's five books in the series even though they were written several years ago they almost have a prophetic ring to them. I know that was not the authors intention but a lot of the scenarios have come to pass. Its about the path the world is taking to lead up to the Antichrist. Its a good series.

I've enjoyed the Joel Rosenberg books I've read. I think I read all the series called "The Last Jihad", also The Twelfth Imam, Implosion, and Third Target.

As to wanting to hang with the rich and famous...my bucket list still has yet to be completed...Donald never called me back to set up a time to play some golf. Maybe I should have been more proactive like Jeff Sessions, who knows, perhaps I could have gotten a cabinet appointment. LOL

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."

I've enjoyed the Joel Rosenberg books I've read. I think I read all the series called "The Last Jihad", also The Twelfth Imam, Implosion, and Third Target.

As to wanting to hang with the rich and famous...my bucket list still has yet to be completed...Donald never called me back to set up a time to play some golf. Maybe I should have been more proactive like Jeff Sessions, who knows, perhaps I could have gotten a cabinet appointment. LOL

I did not know there was more books, I read the twelfth Iman. I'll have to look into this, thanks for the tip. After reading Dead Heat, I could see this country getting nuked by NK. It just seemed like a possible scenario.

It seems like every thing is ready to implode in the world of politics, you might want to scratch that one off.

The only Joel Rosenberg book I've read was a nonfiction one. Can't remember what it was called but it was good. All my books are packed for moving. I'm going to go to the library and get some of these others.